Press Release

Philadelphia Athletes Complete 8.5k for Kids with Brain Tumors

Asheville, NC, September 23, 2015 --(PR.com)-- The City of Brotherly Love welcomed about 750 walkers and runners on Sept. 19 for the Philadelphia Starry Night 8.5K, benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

At start time, the event had raised $47,974 to help fund the foundation’s lifesaving research and life-changing family support programs.

The crowd gathered for the evening 8.5K at the Philadelphia Zoo to honor local children with brain tumors, our Stars: Chad, John, Liz, Luke, Madeline, Morgan, Owen, Russell, Talan and Tanner.

“Growing up with cancer was not an easy path. I missed play dates for chemo dates. Medicines and MRIs dotted my calendar like special events and getting a needle or blood drawn was just another part of everyday life,” Star Morgan told the crowd. “My diagnosis has shaped me, but will never define me.”

Participants lit hundreds of lanterns at the end of the event to honor children affected by a brain tumor diagnosis, including many who are no longer with us.

Starry Night Philadelphia’s Hero Award honored Dr. Adam Resnick of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for his outstanding service to children with brain tumors.

The event is still collecting donations online at www.mystarrynight.org. Fundraisers will receive incentive credit through Oct. 19.

About Starry NightStarry Night is an evening 8.5K walk/run that raises awareness and funds for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, the world’s largest nonprofit funder of research into one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer. The event also funds free educational resources and college scholarships for brain tumor survivors. More than 28,000 children in the United States are living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor, and 13 more cases are identified each day. Starry Night events, which close with a lantern-lighting ceremony, will take place in seven cities in 2014. To help us shine a light on kids with brain tumors, call 800-253-6530 or go to www.mystarrynight.org.